In Karachi’s cattle colonies, thousands of newborn buffaloes illegally killed each year

A buffalo and her calf at the Bhains cattle colony in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 30, 2021. (AN Photo)
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Updated 03 February 2021
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In Karachi’s cattle colonies, thousands of newborn buffaloes illegally killed each year

  • 1.4 million animals, including newborns, perish illegally at slaughterhouses in the port city annually
  • The calf mortality rate in Pakistan is 30 percent but as high as 80 percent in Sindh province

KARACHI: More than 1.4 million animals are illegally killed every year in the cattle colonies of Karachi, officials and dairy farmers said, including newborn buffalo calves whose life span is no longer than a week as “commercial greed” lands them in slaughterhouses scattered across the port city.
Under the Karachi Municipal Corporation Slaughterhouse Byelaws 1975, it is forbidden to slaughter infant as well as “useful animals,” including those that are fertile.
 There are currently around 700,000-800,000 milk producing animals in Karachi’s over a dozen cattle colonies, including 400,000 in just the famed Bhains Colony, the prime source of milk and meat for over 15 million residents of the capital of Sindh. These animals together produce around 4.5 million liters of milk daily.




Newborn calves with their mothers at the Bhains cattle colony in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 30, 2021. (AN Photo)

“Every year 700,000 calves, some of them a day-old, come with their mothers from Punjab [province] and interior of Sindh to the cattle colonies, including Bhains colony, and most of them are slaughtered within a week,” Shakir Umar Gujjar, president of the Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association (DCFA) told Arab News. “They are separated from their mother soon after birth.”

“The brutality does not end here,” he said. “After 272 days, the mothers, when they get dry [lactation ends], are sold at half price to butchers and new ones take their place. In this way, more than 1.4 million animals are eliminated every year. The practice has been going on for decades.”
Gujjar said one reason why dairy farmers sold newborn calves was the high cost of feeding them milk.




Buffalo calves at the Bhains cattle colony in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 30, 2021. (AN Photo)

“They sell the mothers’ milk instead of feeding it to the calf,” he said, saying farmers were financially burdened. “The animals eat more, but their average milk production is only around 8 liters.”
Farmers said they were incurring around Rs23 per liter of milk in losses due to the low price of milk, which in Karachi is Rs120/liter, while the cost of production was over Rs143 per liter.
Available for as low as Rs200 per infant, farmers insist they don’t sell the newborn babies for slaughter but so they can be reared — but a “mafia” was slaughtering them to be supplied to restaurants scattered across the city’s main highways.
“Every farmer wants to keep the calves, but the problem is that every calf needs 3-4 liters of milk every day which is not possible for financially troubled farmers,” dairy farmer Hammad Ala said. “It is not necessary that farmers sell calves for the purpose of slaughtering. Unfortunately, this is being done by a mafia which supplies meat to roadside restaurants.”

Dr. Mohsin Kiani, project manager for the federal government’s Save the Calf Project under the Livestock and Dairy Development Board, said the calf mortality rate in Pakistan was 30 percent but in Karachi, it was as high as 80 percent.




A newborn calf at the Bhains cattle colony in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 30, 2021. (AN Photo)

“Under the program, which would end in 2023, we have targeted saving 380,000 calves through various incentives to farmers, including a cash subsidy of Rs6,500 per animal,” Kiani told Arab News.
The program is ongoing in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces. Sindh was initially part of it, but later opted out to launch its own program, which could not materialize for financial reasons, Abdul Bari Pitafi, Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, said.
In the absence of incentives and a livestock management program at the government level, elite breeds of the water buffalo would keep ending up in Karachi’s slaughterhouses, experts warned.
“Karachi’s farmers buy the finest breeds of buffaloes from other parts of the country, but these end up in slaughterhouses. A buffalo, which can further be recycled for another 7-8 years, ends up in the food chain at the end of lactation period,” said Dr. Alamdar Hussain Malik, former secretary of the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council.

“Milk production can only be enhanced by focusing on breeding as there is no other short cut for it,” he said. “Way out is to save the newborn calves and improve breeds by allocating space in the suburbs of the city for recycling.”


Hungarian FM to visit Pakistan today with high-level delegation to explore business opportunities

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Hungarian FM to visit Pakistan today with high-level delegation to explore business opportunities

  • Pakistan and Hungary to sign agreements on culture, heritage and visas during foreign minister’s visit 
  • Deepening collaboration in trade, energy and investment sectors focus of both governments, says Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Hungary’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan today, Thursday, with a high-level delegation to explore business opportunities in the country, Pakistan’s foreign office said. 

Szijjártó is touring the country Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s invitation, the foreign office said, adding that the two will hold delegation-level talks after holding one-on-one discussions. 

“Deepening collaboration in economic, trade, energy and investment sectors is the focus of the two governments,” the foreign office said on Wednesday. 

It said various memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and an agreement on cooperation in the fields of culture (2025-2027), archaeology and cultural heritage, and for abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic passports will be signed between the two countries on the occasion. 

“This would be FM Szijjártó’s second visit to Pakistan, aimed at lending positive impetus to enhanced bilateral cooperation and mutually rewarding economic partnership,” the statement said. 

Pakistan enjoys cordial relations with Hungary and this year Islamabad will mark 60 years of the establishment of its diplomatic relations with the country. The two countries enjoy cooperation in energy, with Hungarian oil and gas company MOL Group actively investing in Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration sector since the early 2000s.

MOL Pakistan has invested heavily in exploration and production, especially in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. 

Pakistan has pursued agreements in trade, energy, tourism, livestock, mining and minerals and other priority sectors with regional allies and Gulf countries in recent months. Islamabad hopes to attract foreign investment in its priority sectors to achieve sustainable growth. 

Pakistan formed the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in June 2023 to attract international investment in these sectors, mainly from Gulf countries. The SIFC says it aims to fast-track decisions related to investments. 


Karachi braces for heatwave this week as mercury soars in southern Pakistan

Updated 16 April 2025
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Karachi braces for heatwave this week as mercury soars in southern Pakistan

  • Starting this Sunday, Karachi’s temperature may surge close to 40 degrees Celsius, says meteorologist
  • More relief centers will be set up providing water and first aid to citizens, says commissioner’s office

KARACHI: Authorities in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi are bracing for a heatwave expected to hit the metropolis next Sunday, with the mercury already surging to high levels in some parts of the southern Sindh province. 
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast “heatwave conditions” are likely to continue in Sindh, South Punjab and Balochistan till Apr. 18. It said that a shallow westerly wave is expected to affect the upper parts of the country from Wednesday afternoon until Apr. 20.
The highest temperature during the day in Sindh was recorded in Nawabshah, 47° C., as per the Met Office. The temperature in other cities of Sindh such as Larkana and Jacobabad surged to 46° C.
“Mainly hot and dry weather is expected over most parts of the country, while very hot in southern parts,” the Met Office said. “However, dust/thunderstorm-rain is expected at isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, Islamabad, northeast Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during (evening/night).”
Meteorologist Anjum Zaigham told Arab News that a heatwave situation is anticipated in Karachi from Sunday onwards. He said the temperature in the city these days is “more or less normal,” ranging between 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. 
“Starting this coming Sunday, there will be an increase in the intensity of heat in Karachi, and it is expected that the temperature may reach close to 40 degrees Celsius, potentially creating a heatwave-like situation,” Zaigham said. 
He noted that high humidity, particularly in the morning, contributes to a higher “feels like” temperature.
“From this coming Sunday until Wednesday or Thursday, a heatwave like situation may develop in Karachi,” he said. 
Relief stalls were set up in different districts of Karachi, with the commissioner’s office spokesperson saying more roadside relief centers will be established to provide water and first aid in case of emergency.
Climate change is exacerbating heat waves in Pakistan, leading to more frequent extreme temperatures. Pakistan ranks among the top ten most vulnerable to climate change impacts and also faces increased risks of untimely downpours, floods and droughts.
These heat waves contribute to various illnesses, significant economic losses and weather-related deaths during the summer season. A deadly heat wave in Karachi in 2015 resulted in over 2,000 deaths, while devastating floods in 2022 killed approximately 1,700 people and affected over 33 million nationwide, requiring extensive rebuilding efforts.


Bodies of eight Pakistani nationals killed in Iran to be repatriated today, says envoy

Updated 16 April 2025
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Bodies of eight Pakistani nationals killed in Iran to be repatriated today, says envoy

  • Pakistan’s envoy to Iran says Islamabad will send military plane to repatriate bodies for urgent burial
  • Baloch separatists claimed responsibility for killing eight Pakistanis in Sistan-Baluchestan last week

ISLAMABAD: The bodies of eight Pakistani nationals killed in Iran last week will be repatriated to the country early Thursday, Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran announced on Wednesday, saying that a military plane would bring back the corpses for urgent burial. 
Pakistan on Saturday confirmed eight of its nationals were killed in the Mehrestan County of Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, which borders Pakistan. The attack was claimed by the Balochistan National Army (BNA), one of several separatist outfits operating in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province. 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a televised address to the federal cabinet on Tuesday, hoped Iran would immediately arrest the killers and bring them to justice.
“All arrangements have been completed for sending mortal remains of 8 of our nationals to Bahawalpur tonight,” Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, said on social media platform X.
“To honor the departed souls, our leadership is sending military plane for urgent burial.”

Tipu said the Iranian dignitaries will be paying their respects to the bodies before sending them to Pakistan. 
IRAN ASSURES ‘FULL COOPERATION’
Earlier on Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi condoled the killing of the Pakistani nationals and assured Islamabad of “full cooperation” in bringing the perpetrators to justice, Pakistan’s foreign office said.
Araghchi spoke to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in a telephone call, the foreign office said.
“Wherein the latter while offering condolences on the tragic death of eight Pakistanis in Iran assured full cooperation in bringing the perpetrators to justice and repatriating the mortal remains of the victims,” the statement said.
Thousands of Pakistanis, mostly from economically disadvantaged areas, frequently cross into Iran to take up informal work in sectors such as vehicle repair, construction and agriculture.
Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has faced a low-level insurgency for nearly two decades. Baloch separatist groups accuse the central government of exploiting the region’s natural resources such as gold and copper, without providing benefits to the local population.
Islamabad denies these allegations, asserting that it is committed to improving the lives of Baloch residents through various development projects.


Pakistan may import crude oil from US to lower tariff burden — official

Updated 16 April 2025
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Pakistan may import crude oil from US to lower tariff burden — official

  • Countries are scrambling to find ways to lower US tariff burdens, which include buying more American oil
  • High-level Pakistani delegation is scheduled to travel to US to discuss American tariffs, trade imbalance

KARACHI: Pakistan’s government is mulling “very good options” which range from importing crude oil from the United States (US) to abolishing tariffs on American imports, an official privy to the matter said on Wednesday, as Islamabad attempts to offset a trade imbalance that has triggered higher tariffs from Washington.
US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imports to the US and higher duties on dozens of other countries. Pakistan faces a 29 percent tariff due to a trade surplus with the US of about $3.6 billion, although that is subject to the 90-day pause Trump announced last week.
The US is the largest buyer of Pakistan’s textile goods, importing goods worth $5.43 billion last year through June, according to State Bank of Pakistan. In return, cash-strapped Pakistan imported $1.88 billion worth of American goods, resulting in the trade imbalance.
Countries are scrambling to find ways to lower their US tariff burdens, and Pakistan is no different. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said last week Islamabad will send a high-level delegation to Washington to discuss the American tariffs.
“There have been talks of Pakistan potentially importing oil, soya been (oil) and cotton from the US. That’s already it,” an official who spoke to Arab News on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media, said.
The finance ministry did not respond to Arab News’ request for a comment till the filing of this report.
The official said the Pakistani delegation will inquire about the expectations of the American government regarding trade, which could include abolishing duties or non-tariff barriers against US products.
“Or they may ask us to buy more cotton from them,” the official said. 
A senior official from Pakistan’s commerce ministry who spoke on condition of anonymity as well, said the discussions were at an “immature stage” and further meetings would be held to finalize them. 
“What decisions are taken, what we offer to them, all options are being examined,” he said. “Everything is on the cards but what is finalized, that cannot be said right now.”
Pakistan spends about $17 billion annually on oil imports, most of which come from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan is also counted among the largest buyers of cotton, which it uses as raw material for its huge textile industry. Most of Pakistan’s cotton imports come from the US.
As per official data, Pakistan spent more than half a billion dollars ($578 million) last year on the import of 204,890 tons of raw cotton and 119,845 tons of soya bean oil after the local harvest was found to be in poor quality.
In 2023, Pakistan began buying discounted Russian crude oil banned from European markets due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Muhammad Waqas Ghani, head of research at the Karachi-based JS Global Capital Ltd., said Pakistan faces limitations in diversifying its product slate when it comes to Russian crude oil.
He said this was because Russian crude oil yields a higher output of furnace oil. a less desirable fuel in the country’s evolving energy mix. 
“Importing US crude could offer access to a wider range of crude grades, better aligned with Pakistan’s long-term goal of phasing out furnace oil,” Ghani explained. “This move would also open doors for improved trade terms and potentially pave the way for tariff relief which is our primary objective for now.”
‘OTHER VERY GOOD OPTIONS’
Pakistan’s cotton production has been hit hard by low quality of seeds and climate-induced calamities such as floods caused by excessive rains.
“Apart from that (US oil import) there are other very good options which are being discussed,” the official said. 
However, he confirmed that none of these options had been finalized yet as the delegation would want to meet the American officials and gauge Washington’s expectations.
“Let’s listen to them first,” he said. 
Pakistan’s financial experts and independent think tanks have advised Islamabad to establish trade agreements with emerging economies such as Africa or the Central Asian Republics (CARs) or reinforce existing partnerships with China or the Middle East. 
Financial experts have also called upon the country to use America’s imposition of tariffs as an opportunity and diversity its exports market to other regions to mitigate potential losses.


Intense hailstorm smashes windows, damages vehicles in Pakistan’s capital

Updated 16 April 2025
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Intense hailstorm smashes windows, damages vehicles in Pakistan’s capital

  • Islamabad district administration says assessing damages caused by hailstorm in capital city
  • Met Office forecasts more rain in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and its surrounding areas today

ISLAMABAD: An intense hailstorm and heavy rainfall battered Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and its surrounding areas on Wednesday evening, leaving several vehicles damaged and house windows smashed. 
Footage on social media showed hailstones raining from the sky in Islamabad during Wednesday evening. Several Islamabad residents posted videos of their car windscreens smashed while others shared images of the windows of their houses damaged by hails. 
Islamabad district administration said in a statement that its emergency teams were deployed to manage traffic and drain rainwater accumulated on the streets. 
“The extent of the damage caused by the hailstorm is still being assessed,” Islamabad administration spokesperson said in a statement. “There are reports of broken windows of vehicles and houses in various areas.”

Vehicles drive past during a hailstorm in Islamabad on April 16, 2025. (AN Photo)

He added that rescue teams were immediately dispatched to key highways, while drainage work was already underway in several parts of the city to prevent water from accumulating on the roads.
An Islamabad resident told Arab News his car had been significantly damaged by the hailstorm. 
“It would cost me around $178 (Rs50,000) to repair the windscreen, windows and side mirrors,” Ahmed Qureshi, a resident of the city’s Red Zone, told Arab News. “My vehicle will also need to be repainted to fix the dents caused by the hailstorm.”

Shattered glass strewn around mats is pictured as Muslims offer evening prayers at the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad on April 16, 2025, following heavy hailstones that severely damaged solar infrastructure, vehicles and residential property. (AFP)

Several mechanic shops in Islamabad’s G-6 Markaz area were swamped with concerned citizens inquiring about the cost of new windshields.
Muhammad Ali, a mechanic, told Arab News three types of windshields were available for Toyota and Honda cars. These cost from $57-$135 (Rs16,000 to Rs38,000), adding that it takes about 20 minutes to install one.
“The windshield supplier isn’t answering his phone due to the overwhelming number of calls he has received,” he said. 
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain with thunderstorm in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock and other parts of of Punjab on Wednesday evening.